Curses! The fun ended too soon writes Christine van Emst.

Dick Barton The Tango of Terror is the must-see' production running, or should that be galloping, at The Warehouse Theatre, Croydon, until February 3.

Writer Phil Wilmot has done it again chaps! A cracking plot, madcap characters, and a quicker, slicker Dick than ever!

At 35, Mr Wilmot is hardly of an age to recall evenings glued to the wireless set listening to Dick Barton Secret Agent.

They are only a dim memory for me, but my older brother was rooted to the spot for each exciting episode.

But in the Tango of Terror the stiff upper lip spoofing, the derring do, and the plain daft combine in a performance that is like a roller coaster ride through a fabulous mix of wit and music. It's a show that echoes of Round the Horne and Monty Python.

Not one weak spot, not a line or note missed, and superb acting from the entire cast.

Three cheers for George Asprey as Dick Barton, the first time he has tackled this tricky part. A round of applause for Kit Benjamin as the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk">Bbc</a> announcer and chirpy, cockney chappie side-kick Snowy, and for Kate Pinell the deceptively dotty, divinely dancing Daphne Fritters.

Raise your glasses to Darrell Brockis as Jock Anderson, a true monarch of the friends.

Salute Duncan Wiseby for a stirling, stirring performance as Colonel Gardener and throw roses at his feet for making Juan El Bigglesworth such a swarthy Love Thug.

But please, ladies and gentlemen, be upstanding and stamp your feet for Joanna Brookes' Mrs Horrocks.

As the HQ's housekeeper Mrs Horrocks was given some of the best one liners in the play. Ms Brookes had us roaring with laughter, her face showed such expression and her split second delivery is the thing comedy is made of.

The seduction scene with Juan was pure genius. Claiming she was going to be the Carmen of the WI' and was going to slip into something more comfortable', Juan inquired: "A sexy negligee?"

Her reply of "no, me orthopaedic slippers," nearly brought the house down.

Returning later in the plot as Conchita Horrocks in Argentina, she led her daughters into a spectacular tango scene that had grown men crying with laughter.

Tickets are selling fast for this Barton beauty, and there is the Tango of Terror menu with a choice of meals in a basket to eat while you watch the performance.

At the risk of putting the chef out of work, I would say don't bother to order food. The people in front of us were so wrapped up in the proceedings that the food, unlike the trail and pace, got cold.

Tickets and table reservations on 020 8680 4060.

December 17, 2001 10:00